Duluth airport to receive $6 million to start upgrades

Duluth is getting more than $6 in federal money for airport upgrades. Most of the money will go towards rebuilding a cross-wind runway that is in bad shape.

Duluth airport director Brian Ryks said $1.8 million will go towards design work for a new airport terminal.

"The overall project will be about a $60 million project. Of that 60 million, about 40 million for a new building -- terminal building itself. The other 20 million will go into support utilities -- infrastructure and additional apron space around the terminal," Ryks said.

Ryks said the current 35-year old terminal is dis-functional in a post 9-11 environment.

There are problems with where airplanes park, and problems with airport services like rest rooms and seating that are inadequate for passengers who have cleared security.

Ryks hopes work on a new terminal will be underway within five years. He expects to complete the project with a combination of federal grants and state bonding money.